Weekend preview: The time has come to make handshake lines optional
Myron Medcalf previews a handful of the most important games this weekend and picks a winner for each.
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Myron Medcalf, ESPN Staff Writer
We've had a conversation about the value of handshake lines for years. Every time there is a problem after a game, we begin to question their purpose.
As we should.
On Wednesday, the Southland Conference announced the suspensions of eight players from Incarnate Word and Texas A&M-Commerce after their postgame melee that began -- obviously -- in the handshake line.
The line itself isn't necessarily the problem, but collegiate sports could learn from the pros by not forcing athletes to shake hands after an emotional matchup. It should always be optional. That's one way to help avoid some of the postgame drama we've witnessed in recent years.
For 40 minutes, players battle in contentious games. Compelling them to shake hands has always been a risky move. It's time to make these handshake lines optional.